Lostock Post Office, in Manchester Road, had just reopened after lunch at 2.05pm on Monday when an offender entered and approached the counter.

Police say he placed a piece of paper under the counter which said he had a gun. But the sub-postmaster did not react and did not offer the offender any money.

The man then left the post office and walked toward Northwich, and police say a short time later a replica handgun was found under a hedge.

The suspect was described as a white male who was 5ft 11in tall and aged 22 or 23. He had a ruddy complexion and short sandy hair.

He was wearing a blue baseball cap, a blue polo shirt, dark trousers and white trainers. He was also carrying a black-and-white holdall.

It is believed the suspect had been sat outside the post office prior to it opening and police are appealing for anyone who may recognise the description to come forward.

Sgt Keith Beresford from Congleton and Vale Royal Police said: 'We are taking this incident very seriously.

'Members of the public may have seen the suspect while he was sat outside or as he entered or exited the post office, or even as he walked toward Northwich.

'We would also ask anyone who recognises the description and think they might know who it is to come forward.' Anyone with any information about the incident can telephone Northwich CID on 01606 48000.